The Butterfly Mosque

Islam fascinates me, I think because it’s in the news so often and, because it’s in the news so often, I want to understand the real Islam practiced by the majority of Muslims who just want to be left alone to worship in peace. There’s a horrid habit in Western media of hearing the word ‘Muslim’ and thinking ‘terrorist’, and I want to educate myself out of my own ignorance.When I was a teenager society had taught me, and I therefore believed, that all Muslim women are oppressed, which is just ridiculous. Naturally, I was incredibly intrigued by what it was that called G. Willow Wilson to the faith.Wilson’s writing is so readable. I flew through this memoir, and it was so nice to be reading non-fiction again. She writes in a very comfortable, honest manner, and, like any book about religion, I couldn’t help wondering if this was going to be a ‘this is why you should be a Muslim’ book, and it wasn’t at all. This entire journey is very personal, and while Wilson has no agenda she does a brilliant job of shedding light on the parts of Islam that the media glosses over because it doesn’t fit with their view of the Middle East.Even better, Wilson herself doesn’t gloss over some of the darker parts of the Middle East, she’s a very fair guide to life in Cairo in the early 2000s, and I loved reading about how she adapted to a life and culture so different from the one she grew up in, and how she dealt with feeling like she wasn’t Egyptian, but she wasn’t quite American anymore either.To be honest, I’m not sure what to say about this book other than that I would love more people to read it. It’s a wonderful eye-opener to Islam and the Middle East, particularly as we’re introduced to this world through the eyes of a Westerner, and so respectfully and affectionately written that it pulled me through the pages with ease. I was sorry to see it end!

Excellent book. Originally, I downloaded a sample from my Kindle as the title was interesting, and then, I could not put it down. I had to buy it to find out how her spiritual journey to Islam develops. She was attracted to Islam from a very early age, and even she confesses, had a tattoo stated "The Truth" in Arabic, before she embraces Islam. Like a description when she is in the plane, reflecting the view outside of the Earth, then deciding she has to make that leap, going to the hotel down in prostration. She later embraces Islam. Then, it takes her on a fascinating journey in life in Egypt (prior to the turbulent Arab Spring era), and the political/cultural challenges. She also discusses the challenges of our times with east and west cultures and importance of mutual understanding (especially coming from a western background herself). She also makes a journey to encounter a lady sufi in Syria ( prior to the tragic civil war), and meets some remarkable people. How did she get the title to the book? I let you find out.....a fascinating read. As long as you recognise that everyone's journey is different, and to come to certain conclusions, you have to ask searching questions, and recognise everyone has limitations, you will enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

The writer made a serious effort to gain a better understanding of the islamic way of life. Hats off to her effort. Alas! the book reflected a very American point of view of the Middle East. The writer seems to lay a lot of stress on 'I am a sunni muslim'. This sectarianism is a very new and dangerous western propagated agenda. Needles to say, it serves their divide and rule policy in the Middle East, especially so after the Iraq war.It appears, she regards herself to be a sufi. What relevance does sectarianism have to sufism. It is a shame she did not see any Sufis in Iran. I saw a few on my brief visit, and this is when I was not even looking for them!

I finished this book within a few days of starting it- I was hooked from the first chapter.Listening to people speak about their conversion to Islam is always inspirational and Willow's story is no exception. Her motives, thoughts and decisions towards that point are well described and you feel you can connect with her thought process and the story she is telling... I felt like I had been on a journey with her once I had finished this book! She documents all aspects well, including how her family and friends took her decision.The book is a good length and no part of it is over-done or goes on longer than needed to understand the point Willow is trying to make and the point each part has in the overall story. She does not preach at all in this book; it is, as the title says, 'a young woman's journey towards love and Islam', and is definitely worth a read if you are interested in spiritual and inspirational literature.

G. Willow Wilson is a superb writer. After being out of the swing of reading for a few years, this book made it both easy and pleasurable to curl up and get lost in the text. The way it is written is engaging and intelligent, anyone can follow Wilson's thought process as if they are living the story themselves. There are issues which are addressed in this book which leave a lasting impression with the reader, and I personally found myself not only seeing things from the points of view of many different types of people, but also learning invaluable lessons about different societies and different cultures. I felt that I could relate to Willow' s situation of belonging to different nationalities but sometimes feeling alien amongst my people. I will continue to think about this book and would definitely recommend it to everyone, it is a fantastic read.

Great book... The author wrote what I think most reverts to Islam feel... We found a new home, but we kinda miss the old one as well .. It almost feels as if we're two different people in one body though ...4 and not 5 stars because I didn't expect it to have so much politics/religious issues and so on.. I was more interested in the story.